First Presbyterian Church—Elko Nevada
1559 Sewell Dr., Elko, Nevada 89801
775-738-3430
Desert Pulpit
Tom's Corner
For Christmas my sister Jane sent me the book “The Road to Character” by David Brooks. David Brooks, for those of you who are unfamiliar with, is a columnist for the New York Times, teaches at Yale, and he appears regularly on the PBS News Hour, and NPR. He has written several books and I think this book might be his latest. And though many people consider him a secular writer, after reading some of his works, his knowledge and understanding concerning faith matters from a Judeo-Christian perspective is quite extensive.
This book “The Road to Character”, which I’m currently reading, is a fascinating one. In the first chapter he introduces the concept that the human psyche, over a lifetime, is constantly in battle between, what Brooks calls an Adam 1 and an Adam 2. Adam 1 is that external part of our being that wants to build, create, produce, and discover things. I would call it that part of us that wants to succeed and promote one’s self-worth in the world. Adam 2 on the other hand is that which wants to embody those internal qualities like being quiet and serene so as to discern between right and wrong, and not only doing what’s right, but by actually being right as much as possible. In summary, one might say that our Adam 1 wants to conquer the world, whereas our Adam 2 wants to obey by serving the world.
Brooks builds on these themes of Adam 1 and Adam 2 in the people he writes about like Dwight Eisen-hower, Dorothy Day, a Catholic worker who served the poor, and others who I have yet to read about. Anyway, he writes about the struggles and hardships they had to overcome to become people of extraordi-nary character, something that I contend that we all want to achieve for ourselves at some point before we’re called home.
As I’ve been reading this book, it has become apparent to me that David Brooks continues to struggle with what it means to be a person of character in the highest sense. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who wants a good read that’s challenging to our inner psyche. It will make you think if nothing else. God’s blessings to you as we move forward in this New Year.
Rev. Tom Holslag - Interim Pastor
February 2017
Interim Pastor Tom Holslag
Melissa Fonder Director of Family
Ministries …………………
Bertha Lister Office Manager
Caren McBride Financial Secretary
Heather Norero Nursery Attendant
Jim Hill Organist
Brandolyn Thran Pianist
Patty Fisk Choir Director
Bertha Lister Desert Pulpit Editor
Church Office 775-738-3430
Church e-mail address
website address: ElkoFirstPres.org
Facebook:
www.facebook.com/First.Presbytertian.Church.Of.Elko
Director of Family Ministries
Happy Valentine's Day
Thank you to everyone who supported the Youth Group in their Spaghetti Lunch and Talent Show!
$500.00 was raised to fund our 2017 Youth Programs
Thank you!
Youth Protection Training: All staff and volunteers who supervise any minor in the church are required by our insurance company to attend an annual review of the "First Presbyterian Church Child Abuse Prevention Policies and Procedures." There will be a training in the Parlor on Sunday, January 29th after worship. Please grab some goodies and say hi to some folks and then join us if you work with any of the children or youth of the church.
Sunday School: Children 3-years-old through Adult
Sunday School resumed January 8th. If you'd like to order a book, order forms are available in the office and adult Sunday school classrooms.
Nursery: Babies 6 weeks to 3 years old
We have a list of qualified nursery attendants posted on the nursery door. If you see a family in church with a little one between 6 weeks and 3 years old, please let one of the attendants know.
Children's Church: Children 4 years through 2nd grade
Children's Church is available right after the Children's Message on Sunday mornings. The teacher schedule and lessons are posted on the door to the Children's Church room.
Confirmation Class: 5th Grade through 12th Grade
Reverend Tom and Melissa are team-teaching a confirmation class for any young people interested in church membership. Classes will be Sundays from 1:00 to 2:30 and will conclude on Easter Sunday.
Youth Group: Kids 6th grade through college
February 5th the Youth Group will be accepting donations of non-perishable food items and money for CADV (Committee Against Domestic Violence) Harbor House of Elko for the Souperbowl of Caring.
Our youth group meets Sunday afternoons after worship and Tuesday nights at 6:00 at the church.
College/Young Adults: Kids out of high school through 25 years old
Our college kids and young adults meet at Charlyn's house on Wednesdays at 5:30 for fun, fellowship, and food. Charlyn provides a main course and invites people to bring a food to share.
College lunch is held the second Wednesday of each month at the "Sweet Barrel" on GBC campus. The cost is just $3 per person.
Adult Bible Study:
Becky Schaffner leads a Women's Bible Study Monday mornings at 9:00 and Kathy Reyes leads a study on Wednesday mornings. Tai Chi is offered Wednesdays at 9:00 and Bible study begins at 9:30.
Love and Blessings,
Melissa Fonder
Office Hours:
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday 9:00 - 2:00
01-Jan Hill family Henry Family Tammy Laughter Paula Bergeron Sheets Family
08-Jan Liz Better Tara Lounsbery Van Slyke Family Patty Fisk Gillins family
15-Jan Boyce Family Kristi Glass Bisson Family Joyce Roberts Thran Family
22-Jan Byars Family Fonder Family Arthur Family Toni Mendive Vicki Matys
29-Jan Gary family Roberta Gallegos Cooney Family Hall Family Ann Hagland
05-Feb M. Jones Family Alyssa Culp Diana Sackley Lee Reierson D'Ette Burgess
12-Feb Bondo Family Winsley Family Doris Toothman Jan Peterson Nickel Family
19-Feb Pike Family Pruitt Family Jill Philllips Pearson Family Nisbet Family
26-Feb Vicki Goicoechea Jan Webb Daniel family Strickland Family Kim Bolin
05-Mar Becky Schaffner Becky Nahnacassia Clarice Gamboa Heather Norero Heather Heard
12-Mar Kathy Reyes Liz Better Aida Mathews Loralee Justice Linda Trontel
19-Mar Jennifer Kidwell Thompson Family Charline Hull Francis Schain Jan Atkinson
16-Mar Bev Klem Guttry Family B.J. Hurley Hobbs Family Hays Family
02-Apr Henry Family Byars Family Diana Jones Munson Family Heather Norero
09-Apr Winsley Family Hill Family Kristi Glass Patty Fisk Halton Family
16-Apr Tara Lounsbery Boyce Family Kump Family Nancy Neef Vicki Matys
16-Apr Pruitt Family M. Jones Family Nickel Family Paula Bergeron Tammi Laughter
23-Apr Fonder Family Pike family Kathy Reyes Lee Reierson Nisbet Family
30-Apr Gary Family Bondo family Joan Zunino Joyce Roberts Van Slyke Family
07-May Cooney Family Becky Schaffner Toni Mendive Gillins family London Family
14-May Roberta Gallegos Vicki Goichoechea Pryzmont Family Pat Pearce Clarice Gamboa
21-May Alyssa Culp Arthur family Plumb Family Francis Shain Renee Sawyer
28-May Jan Webb Strickland family Pearson Family Aida Mathews Doris Toothman
04-Jun Thompson Family Bev Klem Smith Family Pearson Family Daniel family
11-Jun Boyce Family Jennifer Kidwell Hobbs Family Diana Jones Kump Family
18-Jun Becky Nahnacassia Fonder family B.J. Hurley Hall Family Hill family
25-Jun Guttry Family Henry Family Thran Family Byars Family Bisson Family
COFFEE HOUR—SPRING 2017
T G I S (Take Groceries In Sunday)
Warm Hearts Warm your heart by helping Elko’s hungry. The Mission Committee is now collecting canned foods that have pop tops such as fruit, veggies, chili, soup, and tuna. These items will be given to local organizations for distribution to those needing help. Please check the expiration dates of the canned food and place your donations in the box in front of the office. Thank you for contributing to our pre-vious collections.
Thank you for your support
PER CAPITA
Our per capita this year was assessed at $40.00 per active member. This amount is the percentage each member is apportioned once a year in all congregations. Early payment sent to Presbytery before Feb. 15th each year saves the church10%. Please get your payment in by Feb. 14.
Our per capita apportionment for 2016 was based on 185 members.
General Assembly $ 7.50 $1,387.50
Synod $ 5.22 $ 965.70
Presbytery $27.28 $5,046.80
Total $40.00 $7,400.00
The youth will be collecting non-perishable goods on Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017. The items collected will be donated to C.A.D.V. For more information, contact Melissa Fonder.
Rev. Ralph C. Bolin Memorial Scholarship Applications.
Scholarship applications for the Rev. Ralph C. Bolin Scholarship are available in the church office. You must have an OFFICIAL TRANSCIPT indicating a cumulative 3.0 G.P.A. All applications must be hand delivered or mailed complete in one sealed envelope and received by noon on April 14, 2017.
SESSION
Session met twice in December for Regular meetings and one Special meeting accepting 2017 Budget and to receive three new members respectively. Committee and church Reports were received at the Congregational meeting held January 15, 2017. By Laws addressing January to December for Elders and Deacons service to be restored was accepted and approved. Election of Nominating Committee as follows: Chairperson – Elder John Daniel, Vice Chairperson – Elder Susie Jones, Deacons – Jan Webb and Mike Jones, At –Large members – Patty Fisk, Eric Fonder, Judy Bondo, Jeannie Gillins and Nick Halton. This committee will be responsible for nominations for members to serve on the Pastor Nominating Committee as well as Elder and Deacon Nominations for the Class of 2020. Pledged offerings and other income with planned expenditures were discussed and members were encouraged to pay their Per Capita of $ 40.00 per member as it is not a budgeted item in the general budget and payments would help keep the general budget focused on the essential care of the church and congregation. January 17 meeting review of the year, budget and current expenditures. Reverend Tom gave a brief overview of the entrance into the pastor nomination via nominating committee and pastor nominating committee protocol. He will be the advisor for the committees through this process. Committee reports were received, the communion and calendar for the year received and accepted.
The Light of the righteous shines brightly. Proverbs 13.9
FELLOWSHIP HOUR
02/05 Mike Jones Family, Alyssa Culp, Diana Sackey, Lee Reierson, D’Ette Burgess 02/12 Bondo Family, Winsley Family, Doris Toothman, Jan Petersen, Nickel Family 02/19 Pike Family, Pruitt Family, Jill Phillips, Pearson Family, Nisbet Family 02/26 Vicki Goicoechea, Jan Webb, Daniel Family, Strickland Family, Kim Bolin.
You will also need to help set up and clean up Everyone Welcome!
BIRTHDAYS
02/04 Vicki Matys 02/06 Mark Ports 02/08 Joseph Norero III 02/09 Justin Munson 02/12 Hugh Collett 02/13 Nick Bisson 02/14 Nathaniel Bisson 02/15 Christine Thompson 02/15 Tamra Boyce 02/17 Linda Trontel 02/17 Clarice Gamboa 02/18 Dennis Petersen 02/20 Floyd Fisk 02/20 Kristi Hays 02/22 Cherie Welch
In The News In The News In The News Janet Strickland Janet Strickland Janet Strickland delivered 105 new baby delivered 105 new baby delivered 105 new baby
items to Northeastern Nevada Regional items to Northeastern Nevada Regional items to Northeastern Nevada Regional
Hospital OB Department. Items were col-Hospital OB Department. Items were col-Hospital OB Department. Items were col-
lected during the “Birthday Party for Jesus” lected during the “Birthday Party for Jesus” lected during the “Birthday Party for Jesus”
held at the church. held at the church. held at the church.
Smith’s Rewards
Congregational members who are participating in the Smith’s reward program earned a total of $46.09. If you are not yet participating in this program you can visit their web-site at https://www.smithsfoodanddrug.com/topic/community/#/community-rewards-3.
The church office will be
closed on February 20 for
Presidents Day.
Ash Wednesday March 1, 2017
worship services 7:00 pm
KITCHEN DECLUTTER OPPORTUNITY!
Kitchen area is being cleaned this month and multiple items have remained unclaimed. These will be available for the next two weeks just in case anyone forgot where that item had been left. Hopefully all will be returned to their owners in good order and thank you one and all for providing a scrumptious treat in that particular vessel. Unclaimed items will be put in our annual rummage sale.
The Lord is my strength and my song: he has
become my salvation. Psalm 118:14
SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT
1
7:30—6:30 Western
Folklife center
9:00 MOPS-Steering
9:00 Tai Chi
9:30 Bible Study
4:30 Cub Scouts
6:30 College Group
2
12:00 Al-Alon
5:30 Cub Scouts
5:30 NAMI
3 4
5 Communion
9:00 Sunday School
10:15 Worship
Souper Bowl of
Caring
12:00 Youth Studies
1:00 Confirmation
Classes
6
9:00 Women’s
Bible Study
5:30 Cub Scouts
6:00 Boy Scouts
7
1:00 Hobby Group
6:00 Youth Group
6:00 Cub Scouts
8
9:00 MOPS
9:00 Tai Chi
9:30 Bible Study
12:30 College Lunch
4:30 Cub Scouts
6:30 College Group
9
12:00 Al-Alon
5:30 Cub Scouts
5:30 NAMI
10 11
12
9:00 Sunday School
10:15 Worship
Mission Meeting
12:00 Youth Studies
1:00 Confirmation
Classes
13
9:00 Women’s
Bible Study
5:30 Cub Scouts
6:00 Boy Scouts
7:00 Joy Circle
14
11:30 Hobby Lunch
1:00 Hobby Group
6:00 Youth Group
6:00 Cub Scouts
Valentines Day
15
9:00 Tai Chi
9:30 Bible Study
4:30 Cub Scouts
6:30 College Group
16
12:00 Al-Alon
1:00 Esther Circle
5:30 Cub Scouts
5:30 NAMI
17 18
19
9:00 Sunday School
10:15 Worship
Deacons Meeting
12:00 Youth Studies
1:00 Confirmation
Classes
20
9:00 Women’s
Bible Study
5:30 Cub Scouts
6:00 Boy Scouts
OFFICE CLOSED FOR PRESIDENTS
DAY
21
1:00 Hobby Group
6:00 SESSION
6:00 Youth Group
6:00 Cub Scouts
22
9:00 MOPS
9:00 Tai Chi
9:30 Bible Study
4:30 Cub Scouts
6:30 College Group
23
12:00 Al-Alon
5:30 Cub Scouts
5:30 NAMI
24 25
26
9:00 Sunday School
10:15 Worship
C.E. Meeting
12:00 Youth Studies
1:00 Confirmation
Classes
27
9:00 Women’s
Bible Study
5:30 Cub Scouts
6:00 Boy Scouts
28
1:00 Hobby Group
6:00 Youth Group
6:00 Cub Scouts
February– 2017